Evaluation of Tractor Fuel Efficiency Parameters Variability during Ploughing Operations

Fuel consumption is unavoidable in farm practices to boast mechanization of agriculture. In this study, field experiments were performed to evaluate the variability in tractor fuel efficiency parameters during ploughing operations. An experimental plot of 138 m by 50 m (6900m2) area was cleared and divided into three blocks of nine subblocks. Each of the blocks was marked out in 2 m by 50m for different treatments. Alleys to the plot of dimensions of 1m by 50m were provided. The equipment and tractor used for the tillage operations were DFM 100CD fuel flow meter, disc harrow and Swaraj 978FE. Soil-implement-machine parameters (draught, moisture content, bulk density, tractor forward speed, ploughing depth, width of cut), time and tractor fuel efficiency parameters (hourly fuel consumption (FCh) and tilled area fuel consumption (FCta)) during ploughing operations were evaluated. The field test data gotten were analysed statistically by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Coefficient of variation (CV). The results obtained revealed that increased in the soilmachine- implement parameters increased in line with hourly and tilled area fuel consumption (FCh and FCta). ANOVA results also showed significant difference with 95 % and highly significant at 99 % confidence levels and coefficient of variation (CV) of (a) 0.07 % and (b) 07 %; and (a) 0.18 % and (b) 0.13 %, which inveterate that experimental error was low and dependable. In general, the variability in tractor fuel efficiency parameters during harrowing operations are influenced by differences in the soil-implement-machine parameters and thus become the decisive factors for reduction of fuel consumption.